Rick Renzi

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding two earmarks I received as part of Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2638) making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008: 1. Account: Operations and Procurement, Air Force (OP,AF). Legal Name of Requesting Entity: DRS Electronic Warfare and Network Systems. Address of Requesting Entity: 485 Cayuga Road, Buffalo, New York 14225. Other Requestors: Reps. Berkley, Higgins and Sens. Reid, Schumer. Description of Request: An appropriation would be used for the upgrade and modernization of three (3) remaining Unmanned Threat Emitters (UMTE) system located at the Nellis Test and Training Range (southern range 62/63) in Nevada. The upgrade of the UMTE systems takes advantage of mature electronic warfare threat simulation technology and will result in more realistic training, increased aircrew survivability while providing substantial O&M savings. The current unmodified UMTE systems have shortcomings that negatively impact aircrew training and survivability. The upgrades to the systems modernize the technologies contained therein and provide reactive capabilities which resemble real world surface to air missile and anti- aircraft artillery threats. At the same time the systems are refurbished thus providing a life extension to the equipment, they are connected remotely to Range Control Centers to provide better control and less manpower (O&M savings) and the systems are mobilized to resemble the real threat mobility thereby allowing time sensitive reactions to them. The UMTE's at the Eielson AFB have undergone similar upgrades with connectivity to the control centers with great success within the Air Force. This program continues to take advantage of those advancements across the board with Air Force EW aircrew training and intends to finish the modernization plans for UMTE at Nellis. - 2. Account: Research, Development, Training, and Evaluation, Army (RDTE-A). Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Southwest Gas Corporation. Address of Requesting Entity: 5241 Spring Mountain Road, Las Vegas, NV 89146. Other Requestors: Reps. Berkley, Pastor, Porter, Grijalva, and Sen. Reid. Description of Request: In FY2006, Congress initiated a $1.8 M demonstration program for the GEDAC technology at six military facilities in Arizona, Nevada, and California (Luke Air Force Base, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Nellis Air Force Base, Barstow Marine Logistical Station, Yuma Marine Air Station and Fort Huachuca Army Garrison). In FY2008, Congress appropriated $1.2 M to continue the Gas Engine Driven Air Conditioning (GEDAC) demonstration program. With the FY2008 funds, and in partnership with the participating military installations and program manager, the Army's Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), GEDAC units with improved applications and configurations will be installed and demonstrated. FY 2009 funding would be used to continue the stringent 10-ton GEDAC field tests at four military installations. Additionally, a portion of the funds would be used to develop and demonstrate the new 15-ton GEDAC system, which has widespread applicability on military installations. The demonstration of the 10-ton GEDAC and development and subsequent demonstration of the 15-ton GEDAC system will help address greenhouse gas reductions as well as meet the need for long term efficiency gains on military installations where electricity and electric peak demands are critical. Energy savings of as much as $2500 per unit will accrue, enabling installations to meet their energy reduction goals while reducing use of electricity during peak usage (security benefits). Additionally, water savings will accrue and the systems will help bases meet their new environmental goals under Executive Order 13423 and will pave the way for self contained units that contribute to the electricity needs on these bases.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Madam Speaker, I submit the following: Requesting Member: Congressman Rick Renzi. Bill Number: H.R. 5658. Account: Operation and Maintenance, Navy (OMN). Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. Address of Requesting Entity: U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, 2300 Wilson Blvd., North, Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22201. Description of Request: The request is $300,000 for a program that is focused upon development of youth ages 11-17, serving almost 9,000 Sea Cadets managed by adult volunteers. The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps promotes interest and skill in seamanship and aviation and instills qualities that mold strong moral character in an anti-drug and anti- gang environment. Summer training onboard Navy and Coast Guard ships and shore stations is a challenging training ground for developing self-confidence and self-discipline, promotion of high standards of conduct and performance and a sense of teamwork. Funds will be utilized to ``buy down'' the out-of-pocket expenses for training to $85 per week. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps instills in every Cadet a sense of patriotism, courage and the foundation of personal honor. A significant percent of Cadets join the Armed Services often receiving accelerated advancement, or obtain commissions. The program has significance in assisting to promote the Navy and Coast Guard, particularly in those areas of the U.S where these Services have little presence, such as Ganado, Arizona, where there is a thriving Naval Sea Cadet Corps program. Accessions related to this program are a significant asset to the Services: Over 2,000 ex-Sea Cadets enlist annually and an average of over 10 percent of U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen are ex-Cadets.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize and honor the Town of Payson, Arizona, which is in my district. This year Payson will be celebrating its 125th anniversary October 3rd through the 7th. This beautiful mountain village community is known for its natural beauty and deep history. Surrounded by the rich ponderosa pine Tonto National Forest, Payson is located in Gila County at the base of the 7,000 foot, 200 mile long Mogollon Rim, which defines the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau. Seven Rim Lakes are located in the vicinity, offering a wide array of outdoor recreation for residents and tourists to enjoy. In 1882 community leaders surveyed the current town site of Payson, originally calling the settlement Green Valley. The town changed its name after constructing its post office. In 1884 then postmaster, Frank C. Hise, renamed the town in honor of the congressional chairman of the Committee on Post Office and Post Road, Senator Louis Edward Payson, who was instrumental in establishing the post office. Payson will forever be linked to the American Old West. It was in 1884 that the town held its first rodeo, holding it every year since, earning the title of ``World's Oldest Continuous Rodeo.'' Author Zane Grey, who idealized the ruggedness of the Old West, used Payson and its surrounding areas for the backdrop and inspiration for some of his literary works, including ``Code of the West,'' ``Under the Tonto Rim,'' and ``To the Last Man.'' It was not until 1973 that Payson was incorporated, and since then it has grown to become a thriving community that anchors the area known as ``Rim Country.'' I would like to applaud Payson for all of its achievements, recognize its distinct history, and congratulate it on its 125th anniversary. This community serves as a beacon for all other burgeoning south Western communities to follow, and is home to a people of deep community spirit and fervent respect for their environment.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Madam Speaker, the Native American Home Ownership Opportunity Act of 2007 is an important piece of legislation that reauthorizes this vital section 184 Native American housing program which is operated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Back in 2004, the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, chaired by former Congressman Bob Ney, held the first congressional hearing on Native American housing in the history of the United States Congress on tribal lands in Tuba City, Arizona, out west on Navajo country. And many of the folks from both sides of the aisle got together and went out there and visited the Grand Canyon and got a chance to see the Navajo Nation, the pink stones and the sands, and they got to visit the country and truly see the beauty and the conditions, but also the largest land mass of poverty in America, the size of West Virginia. And Bob Ney helped make that happen. And that hearing was important because it brought light to the challenges that face Native Americans when trying to achieve home ownership. Native Americans, as a group, have the single lowest home ownership rate in America, less than 25 percent. And the problem is especially acute on the Navajo Nation. So this section 184 program provides 100 percent guarantees to the outstanding principal and interest for single-family residential homes. And to date, over 4,200 loans have been guaranteed by this program. Now everybody is out there talking about subprime lending and the default and the foreclosures. Only 30 loans in this Native American program have ever been defaulted on, less than 1 percent. This low rate greatly shows the efficiency of section 184, and the program has received the highest rating of America's Office of Management and Budget, even though it doesn't need it. This year it is expected that the program will enable private lenders to finance about 1,600 new mortgages. So I want to thank Congressman Boren of Oklahoma, Chairman Frank, who has been absolutely bipartisan and forward-thinking in pushing housing issues, particularly on Native American, Chairman Waters and the subcommittee, Chairman Biggert, and I want to thank Bob Ney for his advocacy for the poor around America and for Native American housing. If my colleagues don't think this is good, they don't know what is good.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my chairman and colleague from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) and my neighbor from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce) for their assistance and support in helping us find a solution finally today. It has been 4 years in the making. I thank you, Mr. Grijalva and Mr. Pearce, for being a part of pushing this across the finish line. Our intention today is to provide legislation to fix a problem that affects almost 40 small business men and women throughout Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and the Southwest who are devastated by this unfortunate contract mismanagement that the National Park Service and Pacific General, Inc. were involved in. I know, Mr. Pearce, you remember from last Congress, in helping us finish on this, that many of these businesses are bankrupt today. Many of their sons and daughters aren't able to go to college because the Federal Government owes them money for work that they performed in the Grand Canyon. So today, we find a way to fix that with a technical correction in order for these subcontractors to get paid. Mike Richardson, who is the owner of Southwest Water Works, located in Phoenix, Arizona, came before Congress, before your subcommittee last session. He testified, and he was able to bring this problem to the forefront. His dedicated assistance to bringing this matter before Congress should be commended. After this time, the Washington Contracting and Procurement Office of the National Park Service performed an acquisition management review. In this review, the National Park Service discovered that the park had failed to ensure that PGI obtained the proper payments and performance bonds required by the National Park Service under the Miller Act. Then on February 6, 2004, the National Park Service suspended further payments to PGI, issued a suspension notice, and ceased activities with the contractor. Unfortunately, as stated, the subcontractors were not paid for the work that they provided to the Federal Government. They fall into two categories. The first category consists of subcontractors that performed work on various projects where the National Park Service had already paid PGI for their work. Up to $1.3 million PGI did not pay to subcontractors. I think, as Congressman Grijalva talked about, there were $17 million paid overall to the contractor; $1.3 million never made its way down to these subcontractors. The second category is composed of subcontractors who performed work on various projects where the National Park Service failed to pay PGI. The National Park Service has been unable to pay these contractors who performed the work at Grand Canyon because Federal law prohibits payments directly to subcontractors due to a lack of direct contractual relationship between the parties. This bill today that Mr. Grijalva has championed, and Mr. Pearce, fixes this grave inequity. I thank you so very much for your leadership, Mr. Grijalva and Mr. Pearce. I appreciate your service, and understanding these are small business men and women, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, that will benefit from your leadership on this bill.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 835, the Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2007. This bill is a reauthorization of Title 8 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act--commonly known as NAHASDA. H.R. 835 reauthorizes the program within the Department of Housing and Urban Development that provides low-income Native Hawaiian families the opportunity for homeownership on their Hawaiian home lands. Back in 1996, Congress passed NAHASDA--which reorganized the system of housing assistance provided to tribes through HUD. The Indian Housing Block Grant program was created to provide funds directly to tribes for housing services as determined by the tribes themselves. In 2000, NAHASDA was amended to include Title 8 so that Native Hawaiians could receive block grant funding as well through a separate grant program--the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program. This program funds housing programs on Hawaiian Home Lands--through the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, a Federal agency established by Congress in 1921 to administer trust land in Hawaii. Title 8 funding has allowed the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to target housing assistance to families at or below 80 percent of median income. This funding is used for such assistance as infrastructure development, downpayment assistance, self-help home repair programs, and financial literacy programs. Additionally, Habitat for Humanity has also received funding through this program. Title 8 of NAHASDA was originally authorized for 5 years, through 2005, and has not been formally reauthorized since, although appropriations acts have continued to provide de facto 1-year reauthorizations for the program. This bill would reauthorize the program through fiscal year 2012. In addition to reauthorization, the bill makes two changes to existing law. First, it makes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands eligible for loan guarantees authorized under Title 6 of NAHASDA. Giving the Department Title 6 access would allow the Department to help more low- income families become homeowners without a large increase in Federal appropriations by partnering with the private market. Second, this legislation allows Native Hawaiians the use of HUD's Section 184(a) guaranteed loans for refinancing in addition to construction. Adding the refinance authority reduces the cost of homeownership for low-income families and can also reduce risk by lowering monthly mortgage payments. Congress must continue to embrace initiatives such as the one we are considering today that encourage Americans to own a home. Last week, this bill failed to receive the two-thirds majority necessary to pass under the suspension calendar, although the majority of members voted to approve the bill. I believe that the bill's failure to pass was the result of misconceptions about this bill that I would like to address. This is not a bill about Native Hawaiian sovereignty. The subject of Native Hawaiian sovereignty is a separate issue altogether and is not addressed in this legislation. This bill simply reauthorizes and makes some small improvements to an existing program. It does not confer any special rights to the Native Hawaiians--nor does the bill suggest that Native Hawaiians should be given a status equal to that of Native Americans. It simply reauthorizes a program created by Congress in the year 2000, just 7 years ago. At that time, Congress chose to establish a housing program to benefit poor Native Hawaiians living on their home lands--200,000 acres scattered throughout the islands of Hawaii. In the 7 years since the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant program has been in place, it has enabled thousands of Hawaiians to live in decent, safe, and sanitary housing and helped thousands to achieve the dream of homeownership. This program is a model for Federal-State cooperation and also an example for how Federal resources can support the efforts of the private market in providing the capital necessary for homeownership. Yesterday, Hawaiians celebrated Prince Kuhio Day, a State holiday recognizing the contributions of a great leader who was a leading member of the Republican Party in Hawaii and a delegate to the House of Representatives for nearly 20 years. I ask my colleagues that we honor the memory of Representative Kuhio, and that we continue to support the Native Hawaiians living on the Home Lands. I would like to recognize Mr. Abercrombie for introducing this legislation. Also, I thank Chairman Frank and Ranking Member Bachus of the Financial Services Committee for working to bring this bill to the floor, which was approved by the Financial Services Committee by voice vote. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation to reauthorize a program to help Native Hawaiians living in poverty.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Madam Speaker, a good friend of mine, Neill Sachs, recently wrote me about a co-worker of his, an Iraq veteran, Specialist Bryan Anderson. In late 2005, Specialist Anderson's Humvee was struck by a roadside bomb while driving in Baghdad. Specialist Anderson lost both of his legs and most of his left arm as a result of the blast. Anderson was sent to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for rehabilitation. After spending over a year of intensive and grueling 6 hours a day, 5 days a week therapy sessions, Specialist Anderson has returned home to Illinois to a heartfelt hero's welcome. He will undoubtedly require treatment for the rest of his life, and he will need our financial and medical support. As we begin our work in the 110th Congress, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together and ensure that our servicemembers, such as Specialist Anderson, are given the medical care, benefits, and the tools they need to succeed in civilian life. I am deeply grateful for Specialist Anderson and the other men and women in our Armed Services.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI. Thank you very much. I want to thank the gentleman from Hawaii and your colleagues for your leadership on this issue and your camaraderie in helping all Native Americans pushing forward in homeownership. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 835, the Hawaiian Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2007. This bill is a reauthorization of title 8 of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Act commonly known as the NAHASDA. It's administered by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and this provides native low- income families the opportunity for homeownership on Hawaiian Home Lands. The Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act was passed in 1996. It reauthorized a system of housing assistance provided to tribes throughout the Department of Housing and Urban Development by creating the Indian Housing Block Grant program, which provides funds directly to tribes for housing services as determined by the tribes themselves. In 2000, the NAHASDA was amended to include title 8 so that Native Hawaiians could receive block grant funding as well through a separate grant, the Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant, which funds vital housing programs only on Hawaiian Home Lands through the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, a Federal agency established by Congress in 1921 to administer trust land in Hawaii. Title 8 funding has allowed the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to target assistance at families at or below 80 percent of the median income. This funding is used for such assistance as infrastructure development, as my colleague Mr. Abercrombie talked about, Habitat for Humanity in Hawaii, down payment assistance programs, self-help home repair programs and financial literacy programs. Title 8 of the NAHASDA was originally authorized for 5 years through 2005, and has not been formally reauthorized since. Although appropriation acts have continued to provide de facto 1-year authorizations for this program, this bill will reauthorize the program through fiscal year 2012. In addition to reauthorization, the bill makes two changes to existing law. First, it makes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands eligible for loan guarantees authorized under title 6 in the NAHASDA. Giving the Department title 6 assets would allow the Department to help more low-income families become homeowners, without a large increase in Federal appropriations, by partnering with private markets. Second, this legislation allows Native Hawaiians the use of HUD section 184(a) guaranteed loans for refinancing in addition to construction. Adding the refinancing authority reduces the cost of homeownership for low-income families and can also reduce risk by lowering monthly mortgage payments. Congress must continue to embrace initiatives such as the one we are currently considering that encourages Americans to own a home. Again, I would like to thank Mr. Abercrombie and his colleagues from Hawaii, and I thank Chairman Waters on our subcommittee. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the dialogue, and I thank the gentleman from California. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I also could benefit from the wisdom of the gentleman from Maryland. In defense of my neighbor from New Mexico, she articulately pointed out that the resolution also talks about the fact that the flawed language in this resolution, and I quote, says that Congress disapproves of deploying more than 20,000 additional United States combat troops to Iraq. Certainly you do not disapprove of the several thousand troops that will be sent to al-Anbar province. I mean, after all, that is where we are engaging al Qaeda, the folks who attacked us. I mean, after all, that is where the generals are asking for those several thousand troops. So you throw out a number of 20,000 troops. Not all of them are going to downtown Baghdad. Many of them are going to al-Anbar. A funny thing about al-Anbar province and Fallujah. The tribal authorities in that area who were with al Qaeda have now turned against al Qaeda. They are looking to join the American forces. They are looking to take advantage of this new enthusiasm, this new troop deployment. Certainly when you put down 20,000 troops, you don't mean the 4,000 or 5,000 going to fight al Qaeda that attacked us. Do you? Because that portion of the resolution is flawed. I was recently in Iraq and had the honor of meeting Major General Moore. Major General Moore reminded me, ``Al Qaeda is a hyena waiting in the dark, ready to rip apart innocent Americans. And they are coming. We need to be lions, fiercely defending our people, ferocious in the face of enemy.'' You know, unfortunately, this nonbinding resolution is a political whimper rather than a roar of support for our troops. The language undermines our battlefield plans, it fails to offer any alternatives, it offers no hope, encourages no victory, and contains no solutions. Mr. Speaker, this resolution is a cruel message to our brave soldiers on the front lines and it undermines their fighting spirit and their morale. It pushes for an abrupt exit to Iraq, sidesteps the dire consequences of leaving Iraq, not just of the country but of the people. On a recent trip to Baghdad I was stunned by the honorable Iraqi families who live in the Sunni-Shia fault line neighborhoods, families who have lived together despite ethnic differences and religious differences. These are neighborhoods that are a model for religious tolerance. Can you imagine enduring religious bigotry and living peacefully alongside a different Muslim sect, and yet in exchange for your moderation and understanding your family is hunted, you are forced to move by armed militia at gunpoint, and these are the same radicals that pursue and round up your husbands and your sons and torture them and kill them? And then you are left as a single mother in downtown Baghdad with children, and all you have to hold on to is a fledgling government and American soldiers, these same American soldiers that are already deployed and being sent and are already on their way to Baghdad to protect your home and your children's future. And yet this morning you awake in Baghdad, you await the news of politicians in Washington arguing about taking away this little bit of security that you have. And if you can't imagine that, and a lot us have traveled together who have been to the Iran-Iraq border, go with me to al-Kut, where we are developing evidence of Iran's active engagement in exporting weapons and money and support for radical Islamists. Could the news be true that the Americans are talking about leaving the border, about leaving the several hundred El Salvadoran and multinational forces that are serving there with us? Those are the El Salvadorans from our own hemisphere. These are the El Salvadorans that survived death squads in their own country. These are the El Salvadorans who will return home. And what will they say about America? Did we leave too soon? Did we leave that border unguarded? Did we turn it over to the Iranians? Did we allow that little city called al-Kut to revert back to the city named ``Little Teheran''? The State Department has warned us that a retreat of American military forces at this time could trigger ethnic cleansing. The resulting humanitarian crisis could be one of the worst in the region, and genocide could trigger a refugee exodus into Jordan and Syria and the surrounding regions. My friends, should we lose our resolve, it is likely death squads will roam and will become immediately more emboldened and more murderous, and what is now referred to as violence in Baghdad will quickly regress into mass killings. Mr. Speaker, genocide is what caused our involvement in the Clinton administration to put us into Bosnia. Eventually the cry from mass slaughter of innocent civilians in Baghdad could cause us to reenter Iraq. We need to take responsibility, all of us, for our words and our actions. We need to understand the effect this flawed resolution has on the morale of our soldiers overseas, and the effect it will have on the desires of our allies to team with us in the future. Finally, we need to take responsibility, all of us, for the encouragement this resolution gives to our enemies. I was up in Bilad recently with General McCrystal. After a long briefing and discussion, we were ready to depart the region and General McCrystal said to me, You know, tell the folks back home that I am going to stay and fight until somebody makes me leave. General McCrystal, today we are trying to stop that from happening until your work is done. Mr. Speaker, the American people must demand that the authors of this resolution tell us what their better plan is for al Anbar province. Tell us what your better plan is for the tribal authorities who have just joined us in the fight against al Qaeda in our national interests. Tell us, my colleagues, explain to me the consequences of withdrawing from downtown Baghdad and the slaughter that that could have on the tens of thousands of innocent families. Tell me what we say to the Salvadorans serving with us on the Iraq- Iranian border if we are about to leave that border unguarded. Please explain to me how this measure of discouragement, this flawed resolution, doesn't affect the performance and the morale of our troops. Please tell me how this political debate doesn't weaken the resolve of our country to win, to endure, and to prevail.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter).

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson) to respond.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, in regard to the three site visits that I have made to the mining location and the recreation area, in regard to the over 20 meetings that I have with former president of Resolution Copper, their current president, their lobbyists and employees, and in regard to the over one dozen meetings with the San Carlos Apaches, I re-introduce this refined legislation today. I recognize that a portion of the land being conveyed to Resolution Copper in the vicinity of the Oak Flat Campground is used by the Apache people for traditional acorn gathering and other cultural purposes. My staff and I have discussed this matter with Resolution Copper on several occasions, and Resolution has assured us that upon conveyance of the land to them, the company will make every effort to allow such traditional uses to continue. As much of the land in question lies immediately adjacent to Arizona Highway 60, Resolution Copper believes that it is unlikely the bulk of the area in question will be significantly disturbed by exploration or mining activities in the foreseeable future. In addition, Resolution has assured me that they will establish job training and employment opportunities for potential Apache employees. As such, it is with great hope that I introduce this legislation for the future prosperity of the region.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you in support of H.R. 864, the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking (STOP) Act. I would like to thank Congresswoman Roybal-Allard for introducing the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act, and I would also like to thank Majority Leader Boehner for bringing this measure to the floor. Protecting our young people from the consequences of underage drinking must be a national priority. In my home state of Arizona, 20 percent of children and teens from 12 to 20 years old regularly drink five or more drinks in one sitting, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services. State and tribal enforcement efforts and regulations are central in our fight against underage drinking. This legislation holds the States accountable for enforcing underage drinking laws by mandating that the Department of Health and Human Services issue an annual report card to rate the performance of each State in preventing or reducing underage drinking. Additionally, this measure requires the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to award grants to design and disseminate strategies to maximize the effectiveness of community-wide approaches to preventing and reducing underage drinking. The bill would provide $5 million in enhancement grants to the Drug Free Communities program to address the problem of underage drinking. Also, another new program will be funded at $5 million annually to provide competitive grants to states, non-profits, and institutions of higher education to create statewide coalitions to prevent underage drinking and alcohol abuse by university students. In my district, I have fought hard to work against substance abuse by supporting funding to combat alcohol and drug abuse. Just this past September, the Navajo Nation received a $98,000 grant from the Department of Justice for breathalyzers. Statistics have shown that about 90 percent of violent crime on the Navajo Nation is alcohol- related, and many of our young people are learning that substance abuse is a way of life. I am pleased that the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking (STOP) Act is being considered by the full House this afternoon and I look forward to its passage to provide additional tools to prevent underage drinking in Arizona and throughout the Nation.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Miller for the opportunity to speak on this important piece of legislation. I also want to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Heather Wilson, for her leadership on this important issue. This bill amends the Native American Programs Act to allow the Administration for Native Americans under the Dept. of Health and Human Services to award grants to strengthen Native American language immersion programs. This measure is vital to preserving the diminishing Native languages in tribes across the nation, including many in my district. As an original cosponsor on this measure, I am thankful for the bipartisan effort to preserve the languages of those people who hold the original history of our country. In my own district, the Navajo people have a very successful language immersion program. In 2001, the Navajo Language Immersion School at the Window Rock Unified School District was established by Dr. Deborah Dennison. At the first grade level, students are instructed in the Navajo Language 90% of the time, and the remaining 10% of their lessons are in English. With each year, these Navajo students are immersed in English more and more until there is an equal balance of language instruction. The students in this successful program cover academic content areas in both Navajo and English and the results have been astounding. These students perform better on the standardized tests than students in ``regular'' classrooms. Moreover, since it was established, the Navajo Language Immersion School has consistently met No Child Left Behind's designation of ``Annual Yearly Progress'' and they have also met ``Arizona Learns'' standards. I hope this kind of excellence in learning and education can be duplicated throughout Indian Country. While some may worry that this program would decrease the importance of the English language in the United States, we must remember the contributions that Native Americans who speak their Native language have made to our country. During World Wars I and II, Native American languages, including the Navajo language, played a vital role in protecting our nation. Navajo people and other Native Americans were employed as ``Code Talkers'' during the wars, and implemented a code that our enemies could not break. Thus it was through their language that we overcame our enemies. U.S. English, an organization dedicated to promoting English as the official language of the United States, has stated that, ``. . . official English legislation proposed by U.S.ENGLISH does not prevent the use of Native American languages . . . In education, U.S.ENGLISH supports the right of tribal governments and autonomous Native American communities to make their native languages the primary language of instruction in their schools.'' Therefore, it is paramount that we pass this legislation. As it helps us protect not only an essential part of Native American history but also helps us safeguard a larger part of United States character and culture for future generations to learn their Native language. A wise friend once shared with me that ``To take away a people's language is to begin to conquer them.'' Let us join together to support and preserve the first American's Native languages.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. I want to thank the chairman for his leadership on this issue and his perseverence in allowing this bill to come to the floor. Imagine a nation that has to rush to embrace abortion so much that a parent isn't notified that an individual that that family doesn't know is transporting their child, their minor teenager across State lines. It is the idea that the parents don't know who may be transporting their children and the parents don't know that their child is having an abortion that we debate today. This measure brings parental rights back into reasonable norms. There are many groups out there working to influence our children. As the gentleman from New Jersey talked about, there is one Web site right now from the Coalition for Positive Sexuality, a charade that informs teens about abortions by stating, ``usually you can get around telling your parents by going to a clinic in a State without these restrictions or explaining your situation to a judge. But this takes time. So call us right away.'' In my own State of Arizona, there is currently a parental consent law that requires permission of at least one parent. So even if you do have a violent parent, you can still go to one of your other parents. But it means nothing. Because you can go to our neighboring States, California and New Mexico, and have an abortion. In many cases, our teenagers are being driven by people their parents don't even know. This is reasonable to protect the rights of our children. Let's pass the bill.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the author of the bill, Mr. Jindal.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 1515, introduced by Congressman Jindal, adjusts the boundary of the Barataria Marsh Unit of the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve. The bill would expand the park boundary by 3,900 acres and increases the statutory acreage ceiling to 23,000 acres. Willing seller language has been extended to include all potential additions to the park. Most of the lands to be included in the park boundary are federally owned wetlands. I urge the support of H.R. 1515. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1515) to adjust the boundary of the Barataria Preserve Unit of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in the State of Louisiana, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 383, introduced by Congressman Doc Hastings, would designate the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Route from Missoula, Montana, to the Pacific Ocean. The National Park Service will be charged with administering a program of education and interpretation along the route. In 2001, the National Park Service completed a special resource study which proposed that the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail be established. I urge support of H.R. 383. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 5079, the Oregon Water Resources Management Act of 2006, is sponsored by Congressman Greg Walden. It incorporates language from H.R. 5019, S. 166, and S. 251. Each of the bills deals with Oregon water resource management issues. They all have bipartisan support from the Oregon delegation and during the 108th and 109th Congresses had been vetted through the committee hearing process on both the House and Senate sides. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, which will result in better management of Oregon's water resources. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RENZI

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 4588, sponsored by the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle), reauthorizes the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 for 5 years. When originally authorized in 1984, the initial legislation established a Water Resource and Technology Institute at each of the 54 land grant colleges throughout the country to foster research and training of future scientists and engineers in the water resources field. This legislation requires more focus on applied research and more oversight to ensure that the research has practical applications, improves water supply reliability, and helps to resolve real water problems outside the academic world. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.